Is there anything more demoralising than going to get on the bike and finding a flat tire? Had to swap tubes in the bike sheds at work before riding home, killing off my plan to do an Evans Bay and back loop before heading to the Hutt.
Now I have to hunt for a puncture in the tube and it's just a pain.
Agreed. But I think getting a puncture at any time is the worst. In fact I think it's the worst thing about cycling... even worse than motorists like Michael.
Puncture advice I've found useful
You get used to them, (punctures), I now tend to pay a bit more for bomb proof tires made by Schawlbe or my fav company Continental. Tires like Top Contacts, Gator Skins, Armadillos, or the amazing Black chillies. Schawlbe do Marathon pluses but they are a bastard to mount. Avoid Kenda.
I usually take about 10-15mins to get a tube changed and always take x2 spares, they idea is to check to make sure you taken out whatever caused the flat.
Pinch punctures are caused by low inflation and can be spotted as the tube usually has x2 slits opposite each other. It;s where the tube gets pinched by the rim. When you've fixed your flat check that no part of the tube is sticking out. I've changed gazzillions of tires but still make this mistake now and again when I've been in a rush.
Keep your inflation up to max recommended, or around 5psi below especially with road tires. I found with MBT's it depends on where you are riding, but too inflated make bike go boing boing, which can effect handling and safety.
Also particularly on bigger tires anything over say700cx 28 or 26" to 29" go over them every month of so and dig out the glass with a knife that are burrowing towards the tube.
I normally ditch a tire if I get repeat flats.
Presta Valves get a decent pump and be cool, it is so easy to snap the little lock off when you are p*ssed off with getting a flat or rushing - take it easy
The dreaded Bump or Bobble - This happens sometimes with tight tires and slightly big rims meet, when you cycle you can feel a bump or bulge every revolution, this can lead to a spectacular blow out but also just messes with your cadence and feels terrible. It normally occurs near the valve but can be a little further along.
Luckily the late great Sheldon Brown has advice - If you get a bump or bobble around the valve or it's tough getting the tire mounted you can try windowlene glass cleaner and spray that on the rim. Or over inflate by 5psi, if you hear a slight pop that means the tube has inflated and is now sitting properly. Don't over inflate by anymore or you'll blow the tube.
If that don't get rid of the bobble push the valve up when the tire and tube are mounted that pushes the tube up in the right place - best bit of puncture advice I ever found this on mounting tricky tires, Sheldon bless you.